Flow Injection Biosensor for the Detection of Anti-Cholinesterases

A potentiometric flow injection biosensor for the analysis of anti-cholinesterases (anti-ChEs), based on inhibition of enzyme activity, was developed. The sensor system consists of a reactor with acetylcholinesterase (AChE) immobilized on controlled pore glass and a detector with an $H^{+}-selective$ PVC-based membrane electrode. The principle of the analysis is based on the fact that the degree of inhibition of AChE by an anti-ChE is dependent on the concentration of the anti-ChE in contact with AChE. The sensor system was optimized by changing systematically the operating parameters of the sensor to evaluate the effect of the changes on sensor response to ACh. The optimized biosensor was applied to the analysis of paraoxon, an organophosphorus pesticide. Treatment of the inhibited enzyme with pyridine-2-aldoxime fully restored the enzyme activity allowing repeated use of the sensor.